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With the UK festival season just around the corner, you might be starting to think about snapping up tickets to your favourite event (if you haven’t already done so!) and, no doubt, your mind will soon be turning to the question of what to wear.
What to wear to a UK festival
Regardless of which UK festival you decide to attend, planning what to wear in advance will enable you to focus on relaxing and unwinding when the time comes around. Wearing (and, if you’re attending a multi-day festival, packing) the right clothing can be the difference between having a truly memorable experience, or one you’d simply rather forget.
From obvious options like wellies, neons and tie-dye to lesser known choices like holographics, bodysuits and one-off vintage pieces, festival fashion knows no bounds. Anything goes – click here for some festival outfit inspiration and you’ll see what I mean!
Ultimately, you can wear whatever you like to a UK festival; the key is choosing an outfit that’s both practical and stylish. High heels might look classy, but getting your stilettos stuck into a grassy field is never going to be a good look. Make sure you’re ready for anything Mother Nature might decide to throw at you, too; a floppy hat and sunglasses are just as essential as a light waterproof jacket and an umbrella.
So, now we’ve covered what to wear to a UK festival, let’s turn our attention to which UK festivals are worth attending.
2019 UK festivals: my top picks
Notting Hill Festival – West London
The second biggest carnival in the world after Rio, Notting Hill Carnival is said to be Europe’s biggest street party. Originally established in 1966, Notting Hill Carnival is a celebration of Caribbean culture.Thousands descend upon West London every August Bank Holiday to watch the carnival parade and join the crowds in partying and dancing on the streets. This year, Notting Hill Carnival is taking place from 24th – 26th August.
Traditionally, the first day of the Carnival (usually Sunday) is known as Family Day and the atmosphere tends to be quite laid-back, upbeat and friendly. If you’re up at the crack of dawn, perhaps you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the opening ceremony, J’ouvert. A traditional way to mark the start all Caribbean carnivals, J’ouvert usually takes place from 6am until 9am and sees carnival-goers running through the streets, throwing paint all over each other to the beating of drums. The Children’s Carnival Parade normally gets started around an hour later. On Bank Holiday Monday, however, the atmosphere gets a little rowdier.
The Green Man Festival – Glanusk Park, Powys
This iconic festival will take place from 15 – 18th August 2019. The site grounds are fairly compact, so you don’t need to worry about having to trek for miles from the car park to the camping ground. The main stage nestles at the base of a mountain, creating a natural amphitheatre. In other words, the acoustics are second to none.
This year’s line-up includes Four Tet (live), Father John Misty, Sharon Van Etten, IDLES, Broken Social Scene and Stereolab.
Sounds From The Other City (SFTOC) – Salford
Sounds From The Other City – or SFTOC as its commonly known – is now in its 15th year. As the name suggests, it’s a city-based festival, based in Salford. This year, this popular UK festival is taking place on 5th May and most of the acts are performing in the Regent Trading Estate.
If you’re not big on muddy fields and want the chance to listen to some of Europe’s best bands, this one-day festival is perfect for you.
Expect live performances from the likes of The Orielles, Black Country New Road, Black Midi, Gabe Gurnsey and Spectre.
Monmouth Festival – Monmouth
This 36-year-old festival takes place over nine days, from 27th July – 4th August 2019. As my mum lives in Ross-on-Wye (around a 20-minute drive away from Monmouth), I’ve been to Monmouth Festival a few times overthe past few years and, provided the sun is shining, it always makes for a great day out.
A multi-venue event, Monmouth Festival caters for a variety of eclectic musical tastes. It includes the Unplugged Festival, as well as a family fun day and Fringe Festival. This festival is completely free to attend, although contributions are welcome.
The Love Supreme Festival – Glynde Place, East Sussex
Despite being billed as a jazz festival, the Love Supreme Festival is gradually transforming into a blues, soul and funk music event as well. Held in the grounds of an Elizabethan manor house, it has a reputation for being a laidback, genteel festival.
This year, The Love Supreme Festival takes place over 5th – 7th July. The line-up includes Gladys Knight, Snarky Puppy, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Chick Corea, Kamaal Williams, Jamie Cullum and Madeleine Peyroux.
Prefer food festivals?
If, like me, you’d rather get your teeth stuck into some exotic street food than dance the day away at a music festival, check out some of my favourite local food festivals below.
- Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival
- Abergavenny Food Festival
- Big Welsh Bite, Pontypridd
- Street Food Circus, Cardiff
- BITE Festival, Cardiff
Which UK festivals will you be going to this year, and do you have any tips you’d like to share with fellow readers? Please leave a comment below 🙂
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